Sometimes when I am having sex with my partner, I ejaculate before I would like to. Is there anything I can do to prevent this from occurring?

It is very common for a man to ejaculate before he intends to during sex. In order to combat this, there are a variety of techniques designed to help a male partner last longer before ejaculating. One method is called the “Stop-Start Technique,” in which the male’s partner stimulates his penis until he can sense orgasm is near (a man can stimulate himself as well). As soon as he feels this, stimulation must stop until the male’s arousal decreases. Once the male has returned to the plateau stage of the sexual response cycle, stimulation may begin again. (If you would like to learn more about the sexual response cycle, please click here.) Through repetition of this process, a male can slowly learn to improve his orgasmic control.

A second method of prolonging orgasm is known simply as the “Squeeze Technique.” It is similar to the “Stop-Start” method (mentioned above). Instead of ceasing stimulation near orgasm, however, either the male or his partner squeezes right below the glans (the head of the penis) or the base of the penis, until arousal has decreased. When the male is ready, stimulation may begin again. More information on these techniques can be found in our article: Premature Ejaculation.

Another factor to bear in mind is that orgasm should not be the end goal of sexual activity. Sex can often be very fulfilling and satisfying even when one or both partners do not orgasm. In fact, many partners learn to enjoy foreplay and intercourse more than the orgasm itself. Couples should try to treat the entire experience as if there is no goal in mind; they should take their time with foreplay, communicate, explore each other’s bodies, and discover what makes each other feel pleasure along the way. Lastly, it is important to remember that even after orgasm, one can still satisfy his or her partner with the fingers (manual stimulation) or mouth (oral stimulation), or even with sex toys such as dildos and vibrators.

More information on these methods of sexual stimulation can be found on our website: